Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on 3 June at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are sweating the availability of their opening batter Phil Salt. The English batter was reportedly not a part of his team’s training sessions, and that has raised concerns about whether he will play in the IPL 2025 final.
As per a report released by ESPNcricinfo, Salt was not seen during RCB’s final training session on Monday. However, the same report clarified that it is not unusual for senior players to skip final-day training sessions on the nets, instead choosing to prepare themselves personally.
In Salt’s case, though, the absence has led to alarm bells as the top-order batter recently suffered a bout of illness, and his girlfriend, Abi McLaven, is pregnant with the couple’s first child. As a result, rumours are flying that Salt may opt against playing in the IPL 2025 final, instead flying back home.
However, as of now, RCB has given no confirmation either way about the player’s availability. Head coach Andy Flower is extremely coy about key players, even reportedly making injured players train to keep their injury status hidden.
If indeed Phil Salt does not play in RCB vs PBKS, it will be a huge blow for Rajat Patidar’s side. The batter has been superb this season, scoring 387 runs so far, including a 56-run knock against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on 29 May.
RCB’s Injury Woes Ahead Of IPL 2025 Final
Salt’s injury rumours have added to RCB management’s trouble ahead of the must-win match, with Australian all-rounder Tim David also missing out due to a hamstring injury. Already missing David’s middle-order batting support, Salt’s absence will be a big blow to the Royal Challengers’ quest to win their first-ever IPL title.
However, in case the English player misses out, New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert will likely be drafted into the RCB playing XI as a replacement.
